By ANDREA VanVALKENBURG
PLATTSBURGH — A Clinton County grand jury has indicted a local man for allegedly trying to force a boy into engaging in sexual acts.
Thomas L. West was first arrested in July, accused of having sexual contact with the boy, who is now 16, on several occasions between October and December 2006.
The 44-year-old was originally charged with three felony counts of first-degree criminal sexual act and three misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Recently, the grand jury heard the case and returned only three charges against West: attempted first-degree criminal sexual act, first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.
The indictment accuses the West Chazy man of attempting to force the boy to engage in sexual acts on at least one occasion and then actually forcing him another time.
He has pleaded not guilty to the allegations and continues to be held at Clinton County Jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.
No additional information about his case was available Wednesday.
E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at: avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com
